drupa is to focus on five key future themes at the next edition of the quadrennial print trade show, with a series of special forums to be part of the 2024 edition.
The next drupa will be held at the Düsseldorf Messe across 28 May to 7 June, 2024. Throughout the 11-day show, five special forums will have dedicated areas on the show floor that provide a, ‘deep dive into tomorrow’s print and packaging industries, connect technology leaders, newcomers and users,’ noted show organiser Messe Düsseldorf. They are to include drupa cube, drupa next age (dna), touchpoint packaging, touchpoint textile and touchpoint sustainability. ‘All pick up on global mega trends, future technologies with growth potential and best practices covering a comprehensive spectrum of themes,’ the organising team behind the show stated.
Sabine Geldermann, drupa director at Messe Düsseldorf, said, ‘In times of continuous change, disruptive processes and the resulting new business models, our special forums provide important guidance and are indispensable for the sector.’
Specifically, touchpoint packaging is to focus on ‘visionary packaging solutions’ and introduce brand owners to designers, material suppliers, print service providers and converters. Topics such as sustainability and e-commerce will be addressed, whilst students will participate in partner projects with exhibitors to deliver future-forward packaging options for folding boxes, labels, flexible packaging and corrugated cardboard.
Responsibility for the touchpoint packaging special forum is the European Brand and Packaging Design Association (EPDA), an association of brand and packaging design agencies. Mintel Germany is to be the content partner of this project.
The touchpoint sustainability special forum will deliver learnings around the circular economy and sustainable print production, from best practice examples to new options to improve and enhance the sustainability of print.
drupa cube will serve as the central stage for ‘pioneering content’ in 2024. Keynotes, expert panels and workshops are designed to ensure ‘knowledge transfer and interaction’; drupa dna is seen as a platform for connecting industry newcomers, young talents, start-ups and well-established companies and providing a glimpse into future technologies, such as additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, business intelligence, new materials, predictive maintenance, remote services and new business models.
